Salary of a Head Chef
Chefs who are in charge of their own restaurant kitchen hold many responsibilities other than actual cooking, such as managing the staff and developing the menu. As such, head or executive chefs tend to earn the highest salaries of all possible chef positions, though the range of salary is wide and depends largely on location and industry.
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Average Head Chef Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, chefs and head cooks earn a national estimated annual wage of $44,240 as of May 2009. However, Global Gourmet reports that the annual salary of an executive chef specifically is between $55,000 and $85,000 as of May 2008. Several factors aside from the title of head chef apply when it comes to the salary of such a position.
Industries
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The head chef of a five-star restaurant or a hotel or resort establishment is likely to earn a higher salary in comparison with other chefs. Conversely, head chefs at cafeterias, chain restaurants and fast food establishments earn on the lower end of the salary spectrum.
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Location
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The state and metropolitan area in which a restaurant is located also contributes to determining the salary of a head chef. The two highest-paying states in the United States for chefs are New Jersey and Rhode Island, while the highest-paying metropolitan area is New York-White Plains-Wayne.
Education
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According to All Culinary Schools, chefs with a certificate or degree from a culinary institute earn a higher-than-average salary. Those applying for head chef positions will also typically find that a culinary degree on their resume will give them an edge over other applicants.
Potential
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As the demand for chefs increases, offered salaries increase as well. All Culinary Schools also reports that by the year 2018, the amount of chef jobs in the United States will see an increase of 6 percent.
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References
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